Sapphire Princess

Overall Rating

g rose

Age: 83

Occupation:rtd

Number of Cruises: 50+

Cruise Line: Princess

Ship: Sapphire Princess

Sailing Date: 11-29-2008

Itinerary: mexican riviera

I've cruised many times on many ships. We enjoy Mexico for quick getaway of fun in sun. The Sapphire was well appointed, public areas very clean, robes available, breakfast in cabin or on balcony is most enjoyable.
Production Shows were very nice. Most of entertainers comics, etc., were ok, some I could live without. Also too many crafty things - quiz, trivia - felt lounges would have been better served for live entertainment. Piano lounge crammed into small space NO ONE could get near. Passengers on and off ship runs like clockwork - embarking and disembarking were well organized. Purser desk was friendly and helpful in person or by phone as well as any other crew member I came in contact with.
Food presentation excellent and service in dining room very correct just needed to have more spark to make dining fun. I remember that on Princess, we had all Italian waiters, wine steward, head waiter doing cherries jubliee at table as well as pasta...too bad those days are gone. Breads are fantastic aboard ship as well as desserts. **small gripe - do not like to pay for ice cream on deck.
They had hamburgers, hot dogs and pizza on the deck by the pool.
Greatest idea to sell cards for Soft Drinks. Well worth price.
Perfection well lit...bathroom good size. Soaps lotions, etc. very nice, very clean. Beach towels exchanged daily. Having safe in cabin for passport, etc. We had a balcony and that was well worth it to sit outside when you sail away or for drink or breakfast
Lots of things to do, though too many crafts. BINGO was fun, I liked all demonstrations flowers, culinary, mixing drinks, art auction (sometimes a bit too many). I enjoyed shore excursion, as the talks were very informative.
Cruise Staff work so hard even though few were in attendance for some of planned activities. Country Western not complete bust, the Karakoe was very bad, pool games were nice. Loved the ice carvings. There was music everywhere and I like that, too.
First timers to area good idea to take some excursions to see sights. Taxis and vans are always at ports for hire I would advice first timers to take a tour. If you like water sports they are great in this area. Golf was fun but would not advice to take your own clubs. Rentals are available.
Group of friends decided to have quick getaway before holidays so off we went on Sapphire flew to Lax used Princess transfers and we were met a whisked straight to Port for check-in. We had a bite of lunch upon arrival in Horizon. Our bags had been delivered to Cabin.We unpacked and joined boat drill and then to dinner. We were early dining table 49. After dinner we watched a show in the Theater, then to the casino and then to bed.
One of us needed a wheelchair and they met us at Pier and transported her to the Cabin. We tried to do everything had Tea in afternoon, wine tasting presentation, very informative and enjoyable.
We have stopped purchasing photos...much too expensive for souvenier. Need to do more 5x7's and chg less. Big ones are OK for portraits and large groups...most passengers should take their own - just my opinion. Hope to sail again very soon!